Calling True or False on 5 Recent Everton Transfer Rumours

The summer transfer window is nearly upon us, but rumours have been bombarding us since the winter's close.

Everton are an interesting club with regard to transfers. On the outskirts of England's elite, the Toffees are home to many up-and-coming stars, and are seen as a destination for advancement. A successful spell at Goodison Park can lead to interest from across Europe; Everton are the quintessential launching pad.

Roberto Martinez, however, must compete in this ever-morphing environment. His first season was a resounding success, finishing fifth in the EPL, but 2014/15 has proved to be exceedingly more challenging, with European obligations attached.

Requiring improvements, here we call fact or fiction on moves the Merseyside Blues are thought to be lining up this summer.

Jonny Evans (Manchester United)

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Roberto Martinez must realise he needs to get younger in central defence; Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin hold 69 years between them, and they are protected by a 34-year-old Gareth Barry.

The emergence of youth star John Stones is fantastic for Everton, but his talent and age make him a target for England's upper echelon.

In an attempt to get younger and possibly provide cover, the Mirror's David McDonnell notes Everton have an interest in Manchester United's Jonny Evans, at around £10 million.

Jonny Evans to Everton: Highly probable, if not true.

At 27 years old, Evans represents a near-perfect solution to Everton's centre-half depth problem.

United are in need of better defenders, while the Toffees would be acquiring a player suited to their level.

Adnan Januzaj, on Loan (Manchester United)

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Similar to Everton, Adnan Januzaj has struggled to recreate his 2013/14 form in 2014/15. New management and players have seen Manchester United's preferred attacking options change.

Louis van Gaal has given Ashley Young and Juan Mata a new lease of life, while the £59.7 million Angel Di Maria has also taken minutes David Moyes would have handed Januzaj in 2013/14.

Not wishing to sell the 20-year-old, ESPN FC's Richard Jolly suggests the Red Devils could relinquish the Belgian international for a season, and Everton are keen on the temporary addition.

Adnan Januzaj, on loan to Everton: Probable, if not true.

Should first-team minutes at Old Trafford again be scarce, there appears little reason to stymie development when the Toffess are available.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur/Everton)

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Valued by Tottenham Hotspur at £9 million, the already in-house Aaron Lennon's Everton stay could be coming to an end.

The attacking option, according to the Guardian's Andy Hunter, could be too expensive to sign permanently. In the last year of his deal with Spurs, the north Londoners would likely be looking to make as much money as they can from the long-serving Englishman.

Everton, on the other hand, would not be quick to spend £9 million on a player they could sign for free next January.

Aaron Lennon to Everton: Plausible, but unlikely, if not false.

Were Everton to loan the 28-year-old again (paying a loan fee), or slash the price, then the move is possible; but requesting upwards of £10 million seems rather greedy on Tottenham's part—especially considering they have already loaned him.

Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace)

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Were one to compile the most underrated players in the Premier League, Crystal Palace's Yannick Bolasie would be somewhere in the top five.

The Congolese's blend of power, pace and skill are a handful for any full-back in England, and the 25-year-old slowly earned a reputation in 2014/15; all his game lacks is goals in clusters.

Everton, per the Daily Mail's Simon Jones, have been scouting Bolasie—along with Newcastle United and Stoke City.

Yannick Bolasie to Everton: Unlikely, if not false.

Rated at £45 million by Alan Pardew, hyperbolically so, Bolasie has found a home with Palace. As he and Wilfried Zaha continue their progression, the winger leaving this summer makes little sense.

The more likely scenario is the Congo international using his suitors as leverage, then signing an improved contract with the Eagles.

Javier Hernandez (Manchester United/Real Madrid)

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Javier Hernandez could be the most sought-after, most unwanted player available in the 2015 summer transfer window.

Neither Manchester United, nor current renters Real Madrid, appear to want the Mexican international on a permanent basis, but Hernandez is in high demand elsewhere.

The Mirror's Steve Bates writes Chicharito is coveted by Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Everton, Valencia and even MLS' Orlando City.

Javier Hernandez to Everton: Highly unlikely, if not false.

Hernandez would probably see Everton as a step down. One could argue that he needs to humble himself and start playing regular minutes, but Roberto Martinez cannot offer the 26-year-old Champions League—or even Europa League—football in 2015/16.

Expect Chicharito to hold out for another big club in Europe's top five leagues—one that can offer better wages and prestigious competitions.

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*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.